Uganda confirms suspension of flights to Dubai over COVID

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed Tuesday that the United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended flights from Uganda to Dubai until further notice amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the East African country.

The spokesman for the CAA, Vianny Lugya, said the notification from the UAE on the ban came this afternoon.

The move comes at a time when cases of the new omicron coronavirus variant are on the rise in Uganda, with over 900 infections being reported daily since last week.

“Incoming Emirates flights from Dubai are still operational. Passengers planning to travel to Dubai are advised to contact their respective airlines for guidance on any changes in the restrictions,” Lugya said.

He said all Ugandan flights to destinations other than Dubai remain operational.

"The ban is temporary. We shall assess the impact later.”

Lugya said Uganda is not the only country whose flights have been suspended by the UAE.

“All other African countries’ flights had earlier been suspended. We sincerely regret any inconveniences caused.”

Uganda has a total of 135,889 COVID-19 cases and 3,285 coronavirus-related deaths.